Where are you from? What high school did you attend?
I am from Calgary, Alberta. I attended Springbank Community High School.
What was your Program of Student for Years 1 and 2?
Bachelor of Management and Organizational studies (BMOS), with a specialization in finance.
List your Extra-curricular involvement in the first two years of university.
- Member of various campus clubs
- Finance executive for the Western Ski and Snowboard club
- Intramural football and basketball
Why did you choose Ivey’s HBA program?
I chose the Ivey HBA program because of my passion for business and my desire to challenge myself among the brightest, most driven business students in the country. I believe that surrounding yourself with intelligent, ambitious people fosters personal growth, and Ivey offers exactly that environment. Coming from Calgary, I also wanted to expand my network and gain access to a wider range of career opportunities, which Ivey has provided. Additionally, I really enjoy the case-based method, as I learn best through real-world examples, making Ivey’s teaching approach a perfect fit for me.
Describe one highlight of your Ivey Experience thus far.
One of my best memories so far from my time here at Ivey was the Ivey vs Engineering men's basketball game. This event put on full display all the things I love about Ivey: the overwhelming school spirit and the close-knit, family-like environment.
What advice do you have for incoming HBA students?
My advice for incoming students would be to immerse yourself into the Ivey experience as much as possible. Run for a leadership position, join a club, make new friends, be open to new opportunities. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, as that is when we grow the most. Stay busy, work hard, and most importantly, be yourself throughout the whole process because that is what makes Ivey great.
How has Ivey’s Career Management team set you up for success?
Career management is an amazing resource that all Ivey students should take advantage of. They offer tools that help in the recruiting process such as exam prep and career guidance. Personally, they helped a lot in my own recruiting journey especially with the access they gave me to online prep tools that would be very expensive to buy on my own. Additionally, they give you exclusive access to a large pool of career opportunities. Through the job portal they post new positions every week that are diverse in industry and location. I found a great summer internship through their job portal, and I doubt I would have even known about it if it weren't for career management.
What kind of support did you find the mcost helpful with the intense curriculum in HBA1?
The most helpful tool that I have used during my time at ivey has been career management services. Managing the load between courses, social life, and recruiting is a tough task. However, career management helps a ton with resources such as interview prep and career guidance, which takes a big load off your own shoulders. Learning to utilize this proved invaluable in my recruiting journey and made the HBA experience much more manageable. I would urge any future students to take advantage of this resource.
What has been the most challenging part of the program for you and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging part of joining Ivey for me was overcoming my introverted nature to make new friends. While it was scary at first, I quickly found that making friends was easier than I thought. I learned that there were lots of people just like me and that I could make friends by being myself. Ivey assisted me in getting out of my comfort zone by creating such a social program with endless opportunities to build relationships. I have grown so much since joining Ivey and I have made some lifelong friendships.
How has Ivey helped you become a leader and make an impact on the world around you?
One thing I love about Ivey is how each case teaches not just a lesson about business but a lesson about leadership. Case after case we learn how to be an effective leader in the business world, and beyond that, in our personal lives. Ivey hones all aspects of leadership, from relationship management to communication skills they help students to become well rounded leaders. Ivey courses incorporate significant group work which gives students endless chances to practice leadership skills in action. Additionally, the supportive culture urges all students to take leadership positions within the school itself.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to return to my hometown of Calgary to pursue a career in finance. While I'm still exploring which area of finance to pursue, I’m particularly drawn to sales and trading. I’m also passionate about the oil and gas industry and hope to incorporate it into my career. Eventually I would like to own my own business.